supplying power for a new component in an old computer.

[scott]

I am trying to disable the "soft-on" switch inside my Antec SP-400
power supply. I need it to go on when I flip the switch on. Is there
any way to disable or outsmart (maybe with a jumper lead) the internal
"soft-on" switch?

Let me Explain.
My Dell Dimension XPS m200s DESKTOP system keeps returning a "no
external power supply detected..." error messages every time I deploy
my new DVD-RW drive. The DVD manufacturer has explained how this error
message generally indicates that the wattage of my computer's power
supply is inadequate. So, in an attempt to correct this, I connected
the power lead from a replacement power supply directly to the DVD
drive. Although the power ratings (5v @ 20a 12v @8a) certainly would
be identical, I was hoping that dedicating the entire supply to the DVD
drive would somehow satisfy its need; but, it did not work. The system
powered up and ran as normal, but the error message still popped up.
So I purchased this ANTEC SP-400 power supply and "rigged" it up the
same way; but it will not go on. I guess it needs to be fully
installed; but it is incompatible. I had been told that this dell
system requires an expensive proprietary power supply. Unfortunately,
this solution seems much more costly than what this old system is
really worth.
Any ideas? Thanks

P.S. I know I should just 'can' the thing, but it generally does what I
need it to do and I'd rather give the landfills a break for a while.

 

[JAD]

put that DVD in another machine if you can, this message is very unusual.